MACON, Ga. — A single mother of two received the gift of reliable transportation Wednesday, thanks to a collaboration between United Way of Central Georgia, the National Auto Body Council and GEICO.
Ericka Hill, a security guard, had been struggling to make ends meet after her car broke down in May. Without a vehicle, she faced increasing difficulties getting to work and taking her children to school, putting her job and their home at risk.
Today, she was presented with a 2017 Honda HRV at Five Star Collision Center in Macon, an act of generosity that Hill says will be life-changing.
"I'm beyond elated. I'm grateful. This car will change everything for me and my family," Hill said. “It's amazing that without a car you do, you don't know what you might not have.”
United Way COO Carl Tims explained that Hill is part of the ALICE population, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — people who are working hard but are one financial crisis away from disaster.
"Ericka’s story is what our ALICE strategy is all about—helping hardworking people like her avoid falling into poverty. A car is sometimes the lifeline that keeps everything from spiraling out of control," Tims said. “She's happy that she's gonna have the car, she's done all the registration. So in essence, when this concludes, she's driving away with the vehicle.”
Hill's new car provides her with the stability she needs to continue working and caring for her family. United Way of Central Georgia says they aim to help 10,000 ALICE families achieve financial security over the next decade, ensuring that more stories like Hill's end with hope and opportunity.
“A car that won’t start, a roof that starts to leak, or an unforeseen medical problem can be the beginning of a devastating domino effect that ends in poverty,” Tims said. “These situations often have the most consequential impact on the children. Thanks to this partnership, we were able to help.”
A heartfelt moment that shows the power of community support, and for families like Ericka's, it can make all the difference.
“It was very hard, like I said, trying to get my daughter back and forth to school, trying to make it to and from work, going to doctor's appointments, grocery store, just anything,” Hill said. “I am just so appreciative of them for doing this and helping me out when I needed it.”